Funding for marine environment project

Orkney Islands Council has secured funding worth £119,000 towards a marine environment project.

The Scottish Government announced the award as part of the latest round of European Maritime and Fisheries Funding (EMFF).

The aim of the Orkney Marine Environment Project is to improve the availability and accessibility of environmental, social and economic data for marine planning, management, education and awareness raising.

It will deliver a ‘state of the environment’ assessment of the seas around the islands out to 12 nautical miles.

Graham Sinclair, Chair of OIC’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: “I welcome the award of funding for this important project.

“It will provide a firm foundation for the sustainable management of Orkney’s marine and coastal resources, establishing a baseline against which future marine planning and management can be monitored and evaluated.”

The Council will work with stakeholders to gather information and share knowledge.

Marine information will be made available and accessible to a wide variety of audiences including businesses, schools, higher and further education institutions, and the wider community.

Part of the project involves the development of a ‘seas and coasts’ learning project for primary and secondary school pupils.